Coding and CLI agents · ranked 03
Codex CLI
Also known as OpenAI Codex CLI
OpenAI's open-source terminal agent for editing a repo.
Best for A terminal agent on OpenAI models
Codex CLI is OpenAI's coding agent for the terminal. It edits a local repository, runs commands, and can use OpenAI models. The CLI is open source. Model access follows your OpenAI or ChatGPT plan — check site.
Best use cases
- Local repo edits from the shell
- Teams already on ChatGPT or the OpenAI API
- Scripting an agent you can read, because the CLI is open source
Pros
- + The CLI is open source
- + Fits a terminal workflow next to git
- + Uses OpenAI's models, which many builders already have a key for
Cons
- − Model access and plan limits are separate from the CLI itself
- − Current plan packaging: check site
Pricing
The CLI is open source. Model access depends on OpenAI or ChatGPT plans. Current prices: check site.
Alternatives
Coding and CLI agents
8.3
Claude Code
Anthropic's coding agent for the terminal and supported editors.
Best for Repo-sized edits from the terminal
Coding and CLI agents
7.4
Aider
Open-source pair programming in the terminal. Git commits included.
Best for Git-native pair programming from the terminal
AI code editors
7.8
GitHub Copilot
GitHub's AI pair programmer across VS Code, JetBrains, and its own app.
Best for Adding an agent without leaving the editor you have